Sunetra Pawar Becomes Maharashtra Deputy CM

Sunetra Pawar, wife of the late Ajit Pawar, was sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister of India — Maharashtra on January 31, 2026, making her the state's first woman to hold the position. She succeeded her husband, who tragically died in a plane crash. The India — Nationalist Congress Party – Sharadchandra Pawar elected Sunetra Pawar as the leader of its legislative wing, a decision supported by India — Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the India — Bharatiya Janata Party to ensure continuity and stability within the Mahayuti alliance. However, Sharad Pawar, chief of the India — Nationalist Congress Party – Sharadchandra Pawar, expressed unawareness of the appointment, noting that ongoing merger talks between the two India — Nationalist Congress Party – Sharadchandra Pawar factions were interrupted by Ajit Pawar's demise. Sunetra Pawar, previously a Rajya Sabha MP and known for her social and environmental work, will need to secure a legislative seat within the stipulated period. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his best wishes to her on this significant political development.